For a young journalist arriving at The Observer on work experience in the spring of 1998, Arnold Kemp was a legend in residence. By happy accident, I found myself sitting next to him on his three-day visits. And in him I discovered someone who appreciated eloquent phrases and informed stories. He was an immediate friend and a much-needed mentor.

In those early weeks - I had been sent to The Observer for a month - Arnold filled me with a sense of adventure. He encouraged people to spend time on stories, to write freely and without fear of expressing themselves. He was a wise and joyous presence without an ego. And he was startling company on subjects as diverse as Scottish politics, the tribal affairs of Afghanistan or Puff Daddy.

Every week, I looked forward to his arrival as an event. 'Is that chair always empty?' I remember asking him on my final day. 'Young man, come back whenever you want,' he smiled. I took to returning five days a week and never left.

Arnold was a tireless champion of young journalists. He liked to surround himself with eager talents and good story-tellers. They flocked to him for his expertise and generous company. And, in turn, he nurtured them, encouraged them, fought for them. As this paper's Foreign News Editor, he often called his correspondents to make sure of their wellbeing and would ensure their problems were addressed.

He encouraged all his reporters to write from the field with their notebooks to hand. The greatest stylists, he thought, found their voices by seeking out stories on the ground. These were values he admired. I can remember when covering international stories the engaging phone conversations with Arnold. And in all my wanderings, I always found souls who had themselves been touched by his kindness and honesty. That no one had an ill opinion of him was of profound importance, and a measure of his contribution over a lifetime in journalism. He was a rare creature - a modern-day journalist who was admired and remembered fondly by all those who came to know him.

He was spellbinding company at lunch, a part of the day he particularly relished. When excited or amused, he would lurch forward and clap together those great hands. Lunches were filled with laughter and debate. It makes me smile now to think of his infectious grin.

I found Arnold to be a man with a genuine love of life and all its complications. He was eternally young at heart and his friends spanned all walks of life and all generations. And aside from the values, there were always the polite mannerisms - his friends were all recipients of a firm handshake, a hearty clap on the back and a quick 'cup of tea' or an 'ice-cream'. The latter two were always prefaced with the celebratory and cheeky toast: 'Confusion to our enemies!'

In the end, though, I will always remember his considered advice. He was a polite, well-intentioned tutor. I will always miss my friend; and I can only aspire to follow his bright, shining example. He was an inspiration to all those lucky enough to be touched by his presence.

The funeral service for Arnold Kemp will be held at Warriston Crematorium Lorimer Chapel, Edinburgh, on Tuesday at 1pm. All are welcome.